People who struggle with all kinds of substance addictions, including alcohol or heroin, can experience the intense symptoms of withdrawals, and the pain and cravings from this condition are often what causes addicts to relapse.
If you’re addicted to cocaine, one of the toughest obstacles in the way of you getting clean are withdrawals. Many former cocaine addicts reported having strong cravings for the drug during the cocaine detox process, but in the end, they were able to successfully overcome their addiction with the help and support of others and themselves.
When cocaine addicts make the decision to start their journey to sobriety, it can be a tough one filled with unanswered questions and anxiety. If you or a loved one is trying to gain freedom from their cocaine addiction, keep on reading. Here are some important questions and their answers when it comes to cocaine detox.
1. What Are the Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal?
One of the first questions cocaine addicts ask when they’re considering quitting cold turkey is, “what does cocaine withdrawal feel like?”. This question can come from a place of anxiety, fear, or genuine curiosity, but it’s important that addicts understand the symptoms of withdrawals before they occur.
While the intensity of withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person, there are a few common symptoms that are often experienced:
- anxiety and paranoia
- depression
- mild to extreme fatigue
- difficulty concentrating
- anger and irritability
- cocaine cravings
- nightmares/night terrors
- insomnia
- chills, nerve pain, muscle aches and pain
These symptoms can begin within just a few hours of a person’s last dose. They are also generally the most intense right after the last time a person uses cocaine.
2. How Long Does Cocaine Withdrawal Last?
Typically, the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal only last a few days. However, if you’re a heavy user of cocaine, you could experience symptoms for many weeks.
Withdrawal symptoms can start as early as an hour after a user’s last dosage, which is part of why cocaine is such an addictive drug. During the detox period, an addict may experience the side effects of withdrawals for up to 10 weeks.
3. Can You Treat Symptoms of Withdrawal?
While there is no medication approved to specifically treat the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal, there are prescriptions that can help to alleviate some of your discomforts.
For instance, if your cocaine withdrawal symptoms include anxiety and depression, a medical professional can prescribe you a medication that will ease these symptoms. The same goes for a recovering addict who is experiencing difficulty sleeping or muscle pain.
4. What Is Addiction Rehab?
Many cocaine addicts need the support and guidance of a rehabilitation center to successfully get sober. But what exactly is addiction rehab and how does it help the cocaine detox process go smoother?
Addiction rehabilitations are structured treatment programs with the goal of helping those who struggle to overcome addiction. There are many different types, styles, and timelines of addiction rehabilitation, so make sure to conduct your research before you decide to admit yourself or another person.
5. What Can I Expect from Rehab?
Choosing to participate in addiction rehabilitation is a major step for cocaine addicts. While they should be praised and supported for taking a huge step in the right direction, you should also be sure to help them understand what they can expect from treatment.
Here are a few things you can expect from rehab:
- detoxification
- individual therapy
- group therapy
- relapse prevention education
- aftercare planning
- tools to help addicts maintain long-term sobriety
Nowadays, many rehabilitation centers are flexible when it comes to their treatment offerings. Individuals who decide to participate will have treatment tailored specifically to their needs in order to promote a positive, effective experience.
6. What Exactly is “Detox”?
Addicts may hear the word “detox” getting thrown around all the time, but it’s important that they understand the meaning of it.
During the detox period, a person’s body flushes the toxins of the cocaine out of the system. This is the earliest stage of getting sober, and everyone experiences it differently.
As the body continues to remove the toxic influences from itself, symptoms of withdrawals can begin. That’s why it’s important that addicts are properly treated and supervised during this crucial stage.
7. Do I Need Substance Abuse Therapy?
Substance abuse therapy is a kind of treatment program that educates individuals on how to avoid high-risk situations and to adopt relapse prevention skills.
Many rehabilitation centers offer this type of therapy either in a group or as an individual, and it’s a great way to get the help, education, and support you need to stay on the right track. Although it’s ultimately the addict’s choice to attend therapy or not, it is highly recommended by rehab staff and can make the road to sobriety that much easier.
8. How Long Does Rehab Take?
Some addicts refuse the proposal of rehab because they have other responsibilities to tend to, like children, pets, or a job. They might think that rehab will take too much of their time, but this simply isn’t the case.
Many rehabilitation centers offer 30-day programs that are just as beneficial as longer treatment plans. While the 30-day plan might be more realistic and appealing to an addict with a full-time job, it may be more beneficial for another addict to attend a 60 or even 90-day program.
A treatment professional will sit down with you and make recommendations about the length of treatment you will need. He or she will take into consideration the severity of your addiction, the length of your addiction, and your history in order to make the right decision for you.
Keep Learning More About Cocaine Detox
The hardest part of starting your journey to sobriety is admitting you have a problem and asking for help. This part can be scary and full of uncertainty, but now that you’re aware of these important questions about cocaine detox, you’re on your way to gaining a better understanding of treatment.
As with any kind of addiction, nobody can overcome it on their own. They need help, support, and guidance from others. Do your research and find the right high-quality, supportive rehabilitation center for you. Good luck!